DrinkWise and soon-to-be-first-time mum, Sophie Delezio have launched a new campaign along with medical practitioners to advise women on the importance of abstaining from alcohol when planning a pregnancy, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Delezio, who endured unimaginable hardships and health challenges growing up, is helping DrinkWise to raise the importance of women avoiding alcohol throughout their pregnancy journey, having herself witnessed the impacts of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Delezio said: “Having overcome significant obstacles throughout my life, I’ve come to deeply appreciate how precious and fragile life can be. While my challenges were not preventable, I know that FASD is – which is why I’m committed to spreading this vital message.
“As I enter motherhood for the first time, I understand the importance of making informed choices during pregnancy. Whilst most people are aware that they should avoid alcohol during pregnancy, they might not fully understand the devastating impacts of FASD.
“Growing up, I had a friend who was diagnosed with FASD and I saw how it affected their daily life. My goal is to encourage all mums and mums-to-be to make the best choices for their babies by avoiding alcohol when trying for a baby, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
“A baby’s health is not something to be taken for granted but by making this important choice I can help give my child the best possible start in life – I hope others make this choice too.”
New research from DrinkWise has shown that 87 per cent of females aged 18-44 said no amount of alcohol should be consumed during pregnancy, which is significantly higher than the 77 per cent recorded in 2018. In addition 85 per cent of Australians agreed that they would encourage a friend or family member to stop drinking completely if they were pregnant, up from 81 per cent last year.
Obstetrician Dr Vicki Carson highlighted that more needs to be done regarding awareness of FASD, because while the majority of Australians have heard of FASD, 27 per cent of those who had heard of it admitted they have a ‘very limited understanding’ of the condition.
Dr Carson said:“All Australians need to know that FASD can cause unnecessary and irreparable damage to the size and weight of the fetal brain. Alcohol exposure during pregnancy can directly harm regions of a baby’s brain that are essential for learning, memory, behaviour, language and decision-making.
“These are devastating effects that are permanent, which is why doctors, obstetricians and midwives play an integral role in reminding their pregnant patients that alcohol should not be consumed during their pregnancy journey.”
DrinkWise CEO, Simon Strahan acknowledged that while rates of abstinence throughout pregnancy are trending in the right direction there is still more to be done to increase awareness.
Strahan said:“It’s really encouraging to see 87 per cent of women aged 18-44 said no amount of alcohol should be consumed during any stage of pregnancy, but further awareness is key in driving that number to 100 per cent. DrinkWise wants to help raise awareness that FASD is preventable.
“Sophie’s choice not to consume alcohol throughout her pregnancy can help encourage other women to make that important choice during their own pregnancy journey.
“DrinkWise is committed to helping expectant mothers, partners, families and the wider community to be informed about FASD so they can support women during their pregnancies and help ensure the next generation has the best start in life.”
More information on the annual FASD campaign, is available on the DrinkWise website.